Senator Magnus Abe has revealed that the 2023 general elections in Rivers State were marred by widespread anti-party activities across various political parties, driven by the selfish interests of politicians, including himself.
Abe made the disclosure on Friday in Port Harcourt during a civic reception hosted by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, for political stakeholders in Rivers State.
The former lawmaker, who contested as the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), admitted to blocking the then-presidential candidate of the SDP from campaigning in Rivers State due to his personal allegiance to President Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the time.
Abe accused prominent political figures, including Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, former Governor Nyesom Wike, leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the APC leadership in the state, of engaging in anti-party activities during the elections.
He questioned why Wike’s actions had received disproportionate attention, attributing it to the effectiveness of the former governor’s strategies during the elections.
“Anti-party activities characterized the elections, but Wike’s actions are being discussed more because they were successful,” Abe stated.
The former senator also revisited the 2015 political crisis in Rivers State, recalling how some politicians secured a court injunction in Imo State to prevent the transition of power from former Governor Rotimi Amaechi to Wike.
Abe said he had advised Amaechi against such moves, warning they could tarnish his political legacy.
Addressing Governor Fubara, Abe cautioned that many of those currently supporting him are motivated solely by personal political interests.
“Your Excellency, beware of politicians who appear to support you; many are driven only by self-interest,” Abe warned.
The revelations underscore the complex interplay of political alliances and rivalries that have shaped Rivers State politics in recent years.
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